Chapter 37 When the Time Comes, It Comes
Novel t.i.tle: (Spring is the Plan of Life)
Author (Yu Xiaofan)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: (Yao Jinxi -MC), (Wu Yang -ML)
*Please read at knoxt.s.p.a.ce, the original site of translation. TQ*
Wu Yangs straightforward and simple explanation deeply moved Yao Jinxi.
In that moment, he even held his breath because he knew that these words came from the heart.
This person is attentive, considerate, and treats himself with tenderness. Yao Jinxi couldnt help but ask himself again.
What are you really afraid of?
Xia Ruonans chosen location wasnt very upscale, but it had a lot of good ambiance. It offered a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine. What made it unique were their desserts. It was a place that younger people tended to frequent. Yao Jinxi and Xia Ruonan used to come here often in the past so they were quite familiar with the route.
It seemed like they were trying to avoid Yao Jinchen to some extent. Yao Jinxi and Wu Yang left a bit earlier. When they arrived, Xia Ruonan had not yet shown up.
They picked a four-person table by the window and sat down. Yao Jinxi ordered a pot of black tea for himself and Wu Yang. He said, Ruonan told us not to pick her up. I suppose two people will be coming in a while.
Even though Xia Ruonan hadnt explicitly mentioned whether she was coming alone, Yao Jinxi couldnt help but feel that Fu Hongyu would likely be joining her shortly.
Yao Jinxi asked, What do you think of Fu Hongyu as a person?
Wu Yang replied succinctly, Hes quite shrewd.
Being shrewd is a prerequisite for being a lawyer, Yao Jinxi remarked. Ever since Xia Ruonan had connected with this person, Yao Jinxi had started paying closer attention to information related to this field and had discovered that Fu Hongyu was surprisingly well-known in the industry. But dont you think that Xia Ruonan might not be able to match him?
No need to beat around the bush. Fu Hongyus intentions were quite clear.
Match him? Wu Yang chuckled.
Who could match someone like Xia Ruonan?
Why should she try to match him? Love isnt like a legal battle with winners and losers.
Thats how it sounded. But with the w.a.n.g Peng case as an example, even a person who seemed mediocre could turn out like this later on. Yao Jinxi simply lacked confidence in dealing with elite individuals like Fu Hongyu. But when dealing with someone as shrewd as him, Im afraid Ruonan might end up at a disadvantage
Wu Yang looked to the side and saw that Fu Hongyu was walking over with Xia Ruonan outside the French windows. Cant a clever person have genuine feelings? You should think about having someone as astute as him watch over you. Xia Ruonan wont suffer any losses when shes with others, he said.
Yao Jinxi countered, Who can say for sure?
Yeah, who can say for sure? Wu Yang turned back and looked at him gently. Jinxi, its just like doing business. You cant guarantee that every deal will be a hundred percent successful.
He reached his hand out in the dim light and stroked Yao Jinxis gloomy face. His voice was pleasant and reliable. So, I can only do what I think is useful Theyre here. Youve arrived?
Those last words were a greeting to Fu Hongyu. He smiled politely and asked, Did we come a bit late?
Actually, no. We arrived a bit early, Wu Yang exchanged pleasantries while both of them took their seats across from each other. Xia Ruonan didnt mention anything about their matters and went straight into introducing the dishes, saying, Wu Yang, you havent been here before, have you? The food here is really delicious. Im treating you today. So please dont hold back.
Three-quarters of the people at the table were men so there was no way theyd let a girl pay. But seeing how enthusiastic Xia Ruonan was, no one interrupted her mood. Let me take a look. The roasted spring chicken here is excellent.
Fu Hongyu replied with a smile, In that case, lets order one.
Um, lets see Lets order the broccoli and baked shrimp, Yao Jinxi rested his chin on his hand, tilting his head to look at the menu together with Xia Ruonan. They finalised a few dishes, taking into consideration the tastes of everyone except Fu Hongyu, who they didnt know well.
After placing the order, Xia Ruonan crossed her hands on the table. Hongyu also mentioned that its been a long time since weve seen each other and wanted to meet up with you guys. So we came together.
Yao Jinxi shrugged, slightly teasing, Alright. No need to explain. We all understand.
Xia Ruonan didnt respond and just signalled towards him, Im going to the restroom.
Saying that, she calmly left her seat, thinking n.o.body noticed. Yao Jinxi, as an observant bystander, noticed that the two people next to them had indeed realised what was going on. He couldnt help but smile at them and said frankly, Well, Ill excuse myself for a while too.
Fu Hongyu smiled and gestured for him to go. Wu Yang replied, Dont take too long. The food will get cold. Thats not good for the stomach.
Okay, Yao Jinxi, accustomed to his advice, agreed and headed outside. As expected, he saw Xia Ruonan waiting for him at the door.
When the young lady saw him coming, she playfully punched his shoulder. But she was careful due to his still-recovering health. Hehe. Who has been emphasising that theres nothing between Wu Yang and him before?
Yao Jinxi chuckled, Hehe.
Hehe my foot. Spill the beans now. Hehe, Xia Ruonans gossipy side was fully on display as she eagerly urged Yao Jinxi to tell her everything. Yao Jinxi was somewhat conflicted about the situation, Actually, Im not quite sure how things escalated to this point.
That was indeed the truth because it all seemed too straightforward. Without any sudden turning points, he was led to this situation.
The details he shared were mundane. Yao Jinxi felt like his storytelling was quite boring. These were just pieces of daily life, nothing extraordinary.
Xia Ruonan furrowed her eyebrows. So, what do you think about it?
Yao Jinxi remained silent for a moment and then smiled, Lets just leave it at that. By the way, tell me about yourself. What do you think about Fu Hongyu?
Well, although Xia Ruonan might be slow to catch on, she wasnt foolish. With Fu Hongyus actions being so obvious, claiming to not know anything would be a lie. She shook her head, I dont know
A look of youthful confusion appeared on the girls face. Jinxi, what do you think I should do?
What do you mean by what should I do? Do you like him? Yao Jinxi asked with his words. But he understood deep down that someone like Fu Hongyu was truly hard not to develop feelings for.
Just like Wu Yang.
The human heart, it could be as complex or as simple as one wished to describe it. Regardless of how jagged and sharp the edges may appear, there was always a tender, vulnerable spot somewhere, easily moved and conquered. Both Wu Yang and Fu Hongyu were skilled at identifying and exploiting that. So making someone like the two of them fall for them was just a matter of whether it was worth the effort and how long it would take.
They had the means and the expertise for it.
Xia Ruonan glanced back into the restaurant and fell silent.
Yao Jinxi sighed.
This was the answer, wasnt it? It was such a typical story. The accidental meeting of two people, a sharp and handsome male lead, and a naive and beautiful girl. Put them together, and it could easily be a TV drama.
If you like him, then give it a try, Yao Jinxi said with mixed emotions. Dont force yourself to think too much.
Xia Ruonan closed her eyes and whispered, Im scared.
Yao Jinxi understood, Because of what happened between you and w.a.n.g Peng?
This, in a way, was another kind of script. But the ending wasnt as rosy. He gently patted Xia Ruonans head, I believe Fu Hongyu wont do something as tasteless as that. Well, at the very least.
I know. Fu Hongyu is very different from w.a.n.g Peng, Xia Ruonan sighed, But once I accept him, I understand that Im afraid of losing again. Ive been trying hard to forget about what happened with w.a.n.g Peng. But its difficult, Jinxi.
She repeated, Its really difficult. And Fu Hongyu is so outstanding. Hes just too clever.
Yao Jinxi didnt know what to say.
In Xia Ruonan, he saw his own reflection.
Why are we afraid?
Because believing in something means putting oneself on the line. That feeling of willingly handing over the future can be unsettling. He wasnt unaware. He just wanted to leave himself some room when facing the overly calculating Wu Yang.
It wasnt fair.
He wanted everything that someone promised while keeping something in reserve from giving everything to him.
Yao Jinxi seemed to have grasped something. Yet, he still appeared undecided.
Suddenly, he smiled, Its like doing business, Ruonan. Even if you do everything you can, you cant guarantee a hundred percent success. You cant let your fear hold you back from taking actions at all.
I understand that, Xia Ruonan weakly tugged at the corner of her mouth. I just need time.
Alright, talking about time, Yao Jinxi said, We should make it go faster. Youve already wasted too much time on the wrong person.
Xia Ruonan looked at him quietly. He was like a quietly blooming flower, full of elegance and purity. And what about you? Youve wasted too much time as well. Have you talked to Wu Yang?
Yao Jinxi chuckled, Oh, yes. I did.
What did he say?
He said Yao Jinxi raised his gaze and squinted slightly, looking up in the air. He said Ive paid enough for my mistakes.
Xia Ruonan was a bit surprised. But its not your fault.
Yao Jinxi didnt argue. Some things didnt necessarily need to be spelled out, especially when someone already understood the matter at hand. He ruffled Xia Ruonans hair again with a smile. Youre right.
But this agreement wasnt specifically in response to his previous statement.
Weve wasted too much time already, he said. He seemed considerably more relaxed, as if this wasnt even an issue. It was no issue at all.
In reality, there wasnt much to be afraid of in the first place.
When it comes, it comes. Then, there was no need to refuse.
Ah, well, the dishes are almost here, Yao Jinxi patted Xia Ruonans shoulder. He then leaned on her as they were close friends for many years. The lines of gender blurred and neither of them found anything wrong with it. Xia Ruonan looked at him strangely, tilting her head. What are you so happy about?
I Yao Jinxi paused, finding it somewhat unbelievable what he was witnessing. Xia Ruonan sensed the difference in his gaze so she followed it to see a stiffened body.
w.a.n.g Peng, dressed quite formally, was looking at them coldly. Long time no see.
Yao Jinxi instinctively stood in front of Xia Ruonan, blocking half of her body. His gaze s.h.i.+fted from w.a.n.g Peng to the woman beside him. Oh, long time no see. You havent changed to a new one, have you?
w.a.n.g Pengs hand was still being held by the woman. His expression darkened. You could be more polite.
How am I impolite, Mr. w.a.n.g? Yao Jinxi raised an eyebrow. Do you want me to be impolite to you?
w.a.n.g Peng, I told you not to come to this kind of restaurant for a meal, the woman, bedecked in jewels, didnt care about being shorter than everyone else in the room. She raised her chin arrogantly. Its full of uncivilised people.
Yao Jinxi clicked his tongue, hands in his pockets as he leaned forward. Oh my goodness. Auntie, your foundation looks good this time. Its quite effective at covering up your skin. What brand is it?
The woman sneered, Even if I told you, you couldnt afford it.
I dont need to buy it since I dont have those kinds of lines or wrinkles, right? Yao Jinxi turned to Xia Ruonan. w.a.n.g Peng finally spoke up, You guys couldnt wait to hook up, huh?
Yao Jinxis feigned smile vanished instantly from his face. He then said expressionlessly, Can you speak like a human being? Does the name w.a.n.g mean you can only bark like a dog?
Youre asking for trouble! w.a.n.g Pengs facial muscles twisted instantly. He made a move forward. If it werent for the woman pulling him back, he might have actually attacked. Yao Jinxi didnt seem to care as he cheerfully invited, Lets go, Ruonan, lets have our meal.
A male voice interrupted suddenly, Mrs. Zhou?
The woman turned in confusion and faced Fu Hongyu, who had walked over. Her expression changed suddenly. Mr. Fu, Im no longer Mrs. Zhou.
If I recall correctly, Mr. Zhous and your divorce settlement hasnt been officially approved, right? Fu Hongyu smiled politely. Speaking of which, since Ive run into you, Id like to remind you on behalf of my client for you to move out of the Banshan Villa as soon as possible. However, as your ex-husband is still considerate, we can be a bit flexible about you paying back the debt.
Being treated so coldly by a polite and handsome man had a devastating effect. It was like being publicly slapped in the face. The woman shot a furious glance at Fu Hongyu while w.a.n.g Peng, whose face had darkened completely, didnt say another word. They quickly left.
Yao Jinxi and Xia Ruonan watched in shock as the two left in a hurry. Meanwhile, Fu Hongyu stood there innocently, gazing at their retreating figures. He mused, The world is really small, isnt it?
*Authors Note: Thanks to Cat Ball, Mandy, and the Wind-Blown Fluffy HairTugging Your Fluffy Hair 23333for the dominant votes XD
Why are all my antagonists so toughsigh? By the way, in the next chapter, another tough antagonist is going to make an appearance. Can you guess who it is? XD
-YXF
Next update: 2023.11.17